<p>I was looking at the GW site and found out the total cost is now $46,870 per year with the ** six-year ** graduation rate being only 78.2%. </p>
<p>50% of students graduate with debt while the average debt is $27,041!! Any comments on this? I think this is rather steep for a school at GW's level. Why is it so expensive?</p>
<p>The graduation rate is 78.2% because many students become involved with great job opportunities available in D.C. while they are going to school. This results in a stretching out of the time it takes them to graduate. Look at NYU's statistics. They are very similar. Both NYU and GWU are in major cities with many job opportunities that can result in a drawn out college education.</p>
<p>Most private schools can be considered "rip-offs" if you look at the price tag and then compare them to state schools, but plenty of people at private schools get financial aid or scholaships. </p>
<p>In addition, doesn't that % include transfers? I assume some people transfer and leave.</p>